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Relapse Records will release what could be the last VOIVOD album, Infini, in the United States on June 23rd. Infini’s 13 tracks are the last to be written with late guitarist Denis “Piggy” D’Amour. Infini also features Jason Newsted on bass, who also mixed the effort. The CD version of Infini will be packaged in a deluxe digi-pack with artwork designed by VOIVOD drummer Away. Images and pre-order options for the CD can be viewed below with details on the double LP pressing forthcoming.

Ace Marketing & Promotions Inc. announced today that they have teamed with Hinder to deliver what has come to be known as Ace’s flagship product, Rockzimity — a dynamic Bluetooth & Wi-Fi multimedia content delivery system compatible with over 1200 mobile devices, including the iPhone. All fans have to do is to turn their Bluetooth Visibility to “On” & Discoverable and upon entering key areas in and around The Washington Avenue Armory in Albany NY, for example, fans will be presented a message “Would You Like A Free Video From Hinder?” Upon accepting “YES,” the video download immediately begins and then is stored in the consumer’s media folder. Content can easily be shared with family and friends via email or Bluetooth. Wi-Fi enabled devices connect to the Rockzimity localized network that is created and then launch their browser with any address ending in dot com. (.com)

Ace Marketing & Promotions Inc., a mobile marketing leader focused on the advancement of the artist-to-fan relationship, utilize Proximity Marketing to engage fans and touch them from many angles and access points at key locations in arenas, amphitheaters and stadiums. Most recently, Ace Marketing & Promotions Inc. and Nickelback successfully delivered content and downloads to thousands of consumers in their most recent campaign at the Sprint Center in Kansas City on April 8th. “The results of this campaign were tremendous; bands like Hinder and Nickelback really understand the impact Rockzimity (Proximity Marketing) is having with audiences attending these events. The consistent campaign results of nearly 90 percent acceptance prove that consumers want to participate in these highly interactive Proximity Marketing campaigns,” stated Jim Meckley Director of Proximity Marketing for Ace. Kevin “Chief” Zaruk from Hinder management went on to say, “In the ever changing music industry, we are always looking at new and exciting ways to promote and market to our fans! Rockzimity and Ace Marketing is exactly the kind of new technology to accomplish this. We appreciate our fans and want to give them something back!”

This week we head down under to check out the Melbourne five piece known as Electric Mary. The band came together in 2003 when singer Rusty Brown and guitarist Irwin Thomas met, later adding second guitarist Pete Robinson, bassist Alex Raunjak, and drummer Venom to the mix. Blues based, 70’s inspired pub rock with heavy doses of “Coverdale era” Deep Purple, Free, and Bad Company thrown in is how I would describe Electric Mary’s sound. After releasing two e.p.’s in ’04 and ’06 the guys have just released their full length debut titled “Down To The Bone”. If the first two tracks off the album “Let Me Out” and “No One’s Does It Better Than Me” doesn’t get your heart pumping and feet stomping then you need to go see the doctor because you’re probably considered legally dead. When you add other stompers such as “One Foot In The Grave”, “Sorry”, “Crashdown” and “Luv Me” you are in for a seriously good time.

Electric Mary have toured Australia with Whitesnake, Judas Priest and are gearing up to support Jon Lord on his next trip down under. After making fans out such people as David Coverdale, Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, and “Little” Steven Van Zandt, the guys in Electric Mary are ready to take on the rest of the world and they are definitely on the right road. By the way if you are wondering where the band came up with their name, I’m sure Mary Campbell, the studio manager for the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York could help you out with that story.

You can check out Electric Mary at www.myspace.com/electricmary and “Down To The Bone” is available on I-Tunes and Amazon.com You can also purchase “Down To The Bone” from the band’s myspace page.

“Know Your Enemy,” the first single from Green Day’s upcoming eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, is available now. After teasing fans with a snippet of the track, the full version has finally hit iTunes for the world to hear.

21st Century Breakdown, which will be released by Reprise Records worldwide on May 15th, is the best-selling trio’s first studio album since 2004’s two-time Grammy Award-winning punk-rock opera American Idiot, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, spawned five hit singles, and went on to sell more than 12 million copies worldwide. In a recent feature, Rolling Stone called 21st Century Breakdown “even more ambitious than American Idiot” and “a record of die-hard punk ideals…tightly scripted, continually ascending classic-rock excitement.”

That’s right, when the Relapse Records Contamination Tour rolls though Cleveland on May 6th you will be able to get into the show completely for FREE. What’s the catch you ask? Nothing. All you need to so is print out the tour flyer and present it at the door when you get to the venue (Peabody’s).

Legendary Bass Master Bill Sheehan has released his much anticipated third solo album entitled “Holy Cow!” on Mascot Records U.S.A. April 14th, 2009. The albums tracks showcase Sheehan’s immense talents as both a singer/songwriter and instrumentalist.

Billy Sheehan’s new release HOLY COW will has three mystery bonus tracks added only for the U.S.A. album version. These three exclusive tracks on the disc cannot be found anywhere else.

Sheehan pulled in top-notch arsenal with guest performances by Billy Gibbons on “A Lit’l Bit’l Do It To Ya Ev’ry Time”, Paul Gilbert (who played with Sheehan in Mr Big) on “Dynamic Exhilarator”, Dug Pinnick (Kings-X) on the song “Turning Point” as well as Ray Luzier on drums and shred master Tony MacAlpine.

Sheehan continues to stretch the boundaries of the bass guitar while showcasing his immense talent as a guitarist (Baritone 12 string and 6 string guitars) and singer. Look for a Billy Sheehan solo tour to promote this album in the very near future.

“Holy Cow” track listing:

01. In A Week Or Two (I’ll Give It Back To You)
02. Dynamic Exhilarator
03. A Lit’l Bit’l Do It To ‘Ya Ev’ry Time
04. A Bloodless Casualty
05. Make It To Another Day (I Keep Rolling On My Way)
06. Another Broken Promise
07. Just Another Humanoid
08. Turning Point
09. Two People Can Keep A Secret (If One Of Them Is Dead)
10. Theme From An Imaginary Science Fiction
11. Cell Towers

HDNet presents the premiere of “Motley Crue: Crue Fest One” on the HDNet Concert Series Sunday, April 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Filmed in Toronto with thousands of screaming fans and a setting filled with pyrotechnics and fireworks, “Crue Fest One” is a fitting spectacle for this electrifying band.

The boys play “Dr. Feelgood,” “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away),” “Kickstart My Heart,” and “Same Ol’ Situation,” from their Dr. Feelgood disc. They also delve into some of their first hits like, “Shout at the Devil,” and “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and also perform music from their new album Saints of Los Angeles.

This concert captures all the decadence, energy, noise and sweat that was “Crue Fest One” – Motley Crue still can rock the house!

San Diego, CA’s Mower are currently tearing up the US and shredding audiences alongside Hedpe on the “New World Orphans” Tour with Dirtball and DGAF. The band has checked in with the following update from the road:

“We’re happy to be back out on the road with our friends in (Hed)pe, they are totally destroying it these days. Every night Mower whips the crowd into pits, they’re screaming, chanting, having a great time and we leave the stage thinking we just saw the place go crazy,” says Mower’s Brian Sheerin. “Then (Hed)pe takes the stage with this catalog of songs everyone loves, great covers and they flip the whole crowd on its head. It’s amazing to see them in action and it ups our game every night. You add DGAF and The Dirtball to the mix and you get a really great value for your ticket money. We’re really happy to be a part of this one as the underground is where it’s at right now.”

Mower have titled their upcoming new album “Make It A Double” and set a July 28th, 2009 release date through Suburban Noize Records. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, CA with producer Eddie Wohl (Anthrax, 36 Crazyfists) and will include nine new Mower songs along with six songs by Mower’s jazz lounge alter-ego, Slower. Weaving together numerous musical styles from hard rock to jazz, Mower’s “Make It A Double” dives farther into the group’s hardcore roots to unleash their heaviest songs to date while experimenting with slower tempos, creepy riffs and hazy mellow tones on the Slower side of the album.

“With ‘Not For You’ our mindset was to write good songs in any style we felt like. Amongst all the punk, metal, industrial and whiskey tracks we did was this trippy jazz/lounge number called ‘L.A. Riot’, which was the genesis of our new alter-ego, Slower,” says Sheerin. “As ‘Make It A Double’ developed we created Slower songs by completely remanufacturing tracks from the first two albums and we were able to experiment with a new vibe. That allowed us to focus on making the new Mower material heavy across the board. ”

It’s a question that I’ve heard before when listening to podcasts of the Classic Metal Show, but the interview that I listened to today with singer Glenn Hughes struck a chord. Are there any current bands that will stand the test of time, that will reach legendary status like their predecessors Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath? Hughes’ answer was simple: No. According to Hughes, “Metal is a dead animal in America.”

Why? Because there’s nothing really timeless or impressive about today’s rock bands. No one is breaking any boundaries or blowing us away. It’s heartbreaking and sad to watch this genre waste away to become corporate generated, money making, cookie cutter bullshit. As I’ve said a million times over, there is no soul in today’s music. There’s not one current band that has the balls to fill the shoes of its forefathers.

I’m not sure when the decline of rock started, but for me it started in the 90’s with the birth of bands like Limp Bizkit and Puddle of Mud. The 80’s still produced legends like Metallica and Motley Crue, but after grunge came and went, it felt like the driving force of rock left right along with it.

Did Limp Bizkit sound different than any other rock band I’d heard before? Yes. Did I like it? No. Was there any part of me that thought for one second that this band was creating some of the greatest music ever? Not a chance in hell. There weren’t any bands from then or now who I believe are creating one lick of music that will carry on the rock torch.

Chris Akin from the Classic Metal Showbrought up a very good point during his interview with http://www.heavymetal.about.com, “When you think about when we grew up, how many bands did you discover simply by seeing them open for a big band? For me, the list is long, and encompasses almost every band that is part of my day to day listening. But now, there’s nothing on the horizon.” I guess I never stopped to think about how many great opening acts I used to see at shows compared to today. I went to see Motley Crue a couple of months ago and wasn’t impressed by any of the opening acts. But when I was in 9th grade, I went to see Skid Row and this kick ass band called Pantera opened. And Pantera may be one of the only bands from the 90’s who I would even consider an exception to the rule; they are legendary.

So what do we do? Where do we go? How do we save rock? I’m not so sure there’s an answer. My suggestion is to open your mind and ears to bands you’ve never heard before, underground bands, local bands and give them a chance and support them. I’m trying to expose myself to as much music as I can and trying to find new channels to find that music. Take a few minutes and listen to that band that’s trying to add you as a friend on myspace. Take a friend’s suggestion and listen to the band he saw the other night at some bar. If they’re worthy, pass the info on.

There’s got to be a band or two out there who has it in them to create some kick ass music that 50 years from now can at least rock at the same level as AC/DC or Aerosmith. I’d hate for future generations to look back on the 1990’s and 2000’s and think that Nookie was one of our greatest contributions to rock.

Am I totally deaf and stupid? Do you know of any bands who you think can carry the rock torch?

And since we’re sharing the wealth, I found a great new band via iTunes that you should listen to called Band of Skulls. Check out my review on my blog.

Transcend Records (www.transcendrecords.com) announce a clutch of exciting new signings to bolster their already impressive artist roster. New deals have been signed with the following acts Cinders Fall, Idiom and Warrior Soul.

Transcend’s main man Rob Ferguson said “I am really excited about the prospect of working with these three awesome bands. They represent the continuing development of our Rock and Metal music stable which is brimming with talent and quality product. Our roster reflects our policy of blending legendary established talent with the best of fresh and breaking acts”

Warrior Soul:
Iconic frontman Kory Clarke’s vision permeates the proceedings: The band he created, Warrior Soul, which started from his spoken word performances on New York City’s Lower East Side. From the trippy Doors-influenced debut to some of the punk-oriented and metal material, Kory is a man on a mission, combining tradition with avant-garde creativity. We have a sneaking suspicion that the best may be yet to come…

Can you handle 45 days on the road on the most adventurous rock tour ever?

On Tuesday, April 21, 2009 the award winning Film FLIGHT 666 will be screened in more than 450 special digital movie theatres in 42 Countries!

Advance reviews and phenomenal media and fan reaction from private screenings of the first ever full length feature film from Brit award winners IRON MAIDEN have prompted Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) to rush release the film and soundtrack for home-viewing enjoyment.

FLIGHT 666 will be released on extended Blu-ray and DVD formats, alongside a double-CD soundtrack album and limited edition double-vinyl picture disc which will be available Tuesday, June 9, via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) in the USA.

Filmed digitally in Hi Def to provide pristine picture quality, FLIGHT 666 was directed by Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen with the award-winning Banger Productions team (“Metal; A Headbanger’s Story” and “Global Metal”) who take you right inside the Maiden family with almost total access to the band, something which Maiden has never allowed before. The stunning 5.1 soundtrack was specially mixed by Maiden producer Kevin Shirley to complement the picture quality as an ultimate attack on your senses.

FLIGHT 666 documents the first leg of Maiden’s legendary SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME WORLD TOUR which took them 50,000 miles round the planet playing 23 concerts on five continents in just 45 days. One of the stars of the movie is the band’s customized Boeing 757, Ed Force One, which carried the band, all their crew and 12 tons of stage equipment and was piloted by Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, a fully qualified and active Airline Captain with Astraeus Airlines.

Taking you on a visual global tour from Mumbai to Sydney, Tokyo to L.A., Mexico City to Costa Rica, Bogota to Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago to New York and Toronto and places in-between, you travel with the band and crew on the plane, to and from shows, in the bar and during leisure time, while experiencing the exhaustion and fan pandemonium that comes with such a mission.

FLIGHT 666 (named after the official airways flight call) reveals how the idea for this unique tour actually came about and how complex planning turned it into a reality. The documentary also contains some of the most spectacular live footage yet seen of the band, filmed in all of those locations and beyond. If you have ever wanted to see the inside story of a truly unique and worldwide tour, taking you to places you never imagined, Maiden fan or not, this is your opportunity.

As a very special bonus for the fans, Maiden has included a second disc of the entire set from the 2008 segment of this tour with the DVD (and long-play Blu-ray). Sixteen songs from sixteen different cities in eleven countries around the world, for the first time ever encompassing such varied places and cultures in one concert. (See full track listing below). UMe will release a special souvenir Limited Edition Deluxe DVD with 26-page booklet, after which it will be available as a standard double DVD version. The soundtrack audio version of the live show will be available on a double CD, as a limited edition vinyl set with two picture discs, and a digital download especially for those fans who do not have DVD access or just want to enjoy the show as a great live album. All are lavishly packaged as an ultimate memento of a tour to remember!

To recognize the global phenomenon of Maiden, the Blu-ray/DVD are also subtitled in Hindi, Japanese, Dutch, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish.

Comments band manager Rod Smallwood; “It’s been a mammoth undertaking. From the first twinkle in Bruce’s eye it’s taken about three years to put band, crew and equipment in a giant flying ‘splitter bus’, to go through all the long and tiresome prep and safety regulations and planning, to the actual filming and of the tour itself, through to post production and right up to putting together all these items in the very best quality possible for our fans.”

“It’s great that with MAIDEN DAY on Tuesday, April 21, we can give our fans the opportunity of seeing this digitally on big screen in Hi Def with full-on 5.1 sound experience with other fans around them. It was also very rewarding that it has won the prestigious SXSW Film Festival Award for Best Music Documentary.”

“The ‘Somewhere Back in Time Tour’ reached almost 2 million fans in 39 countries and, if there is one thing I know from managing Maiden all these years, it’s that our fans are not happy to wait too long, so we are delighted that UMe is rush-releasing the DVD. This closes the chapter on an absolutely brilliant experience delving into the past for the band, myself and my team, the crew and hopefully all of you fans out there. After the summer and some deserved time off, we will concentrate on the ‘new’ with the band starting to put together material for a brand new studio album due sometime later in 2010. And, of course, after that we will look forward to seeing all our fans again!!”

The film FLIGHT 666 is being released in the following manner:Deluxe Double DVD: Disc One: FLIGHT 666: THE FILM (112 minutes)
Disc Two: FLIGHT 666: The Concert (104 minutes)*
Limited Edition with special packaging and 26-page
booklet

Jack Russell, lead singer for Great White, will be the special guest on ClassX’s Hard Rock Nights this Saturday, April 18. Great White is preparing to release a new studio record, Rising, in the USA on April 21. Join JT as he chats with the classic hard rock vocalist about the new record, changes in the band, and the future of the music industry.

It is with much regret that GLOBAL MUSIC announce the necessary re-scheduling of the up-coming HYDROGYN UK Tour, due to run this April 2009.

Earlier today the Kentucky rockers informed us of the incident and subsequently posted their tough decision on their website and MySpace sites that they had no choice but to cancel the dates after lead axeman, Jeff Westlake fractured his wrist and will be out of action for the next month or so.

The message read as follows:

It is with much frustration that the band has announced today the rescheduling of the European tour for the fall of this year. Guitarist Jeff Westlake has suffered an injury to his left wrist in an accident and will not be able to play for a 3 to 4 week period.

“It was just a freak thing that happened and I ended up with my wrist fractured so I will just deal with it and be ready to move on hopefully by mid to late May” Westlake said. “I would also like to take this time to apologise to all of our fans who were planning on attending the shows and the promoters as well for all the hard work; we will reschedule the dates for fall and I will be looking doubly forward to doing those dates so hold on to your tickets and we will be announcing the new dates soon.”

Hydrogyn is also scheduled for The Flight of the Valkyries fest on June 27th this year and many other dates as well for the summer and Europe which was in the planning already for the fall of 09.

The band will also be entering the studio with Michael Wagener to begin the follow up to Deadly Passions on May 21st. Westlake is hopeful that all will be ok by then but if not former band mate and guitarist Jeff Boggs will be on stand by just in case.

GLOBAL MUSIC would also like to apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment. HYDROGYN will be re-scheduling their dates for Autumn 2009 and tickets will remain valid. We will endeavour to keep you all posted on further updates. Dates to be re-scheduled are as follows:

I must admit that I have never been a huge fan of Sinner. I have a couple of their releases and I have never been that crazy about them.

I read some positive things about the band’s latest opus, “Crash & Burn”, and I decided to give this band another chance.

From the opening air raid siren of “Crash & Burn” I had a pretty good idea that this disc would rock, and man does it ever. The opening cut is a rocker and there really are not any sleepers on this disc.

“Revolution” (please see the video below) is a catchy tune but it is far from the best tune on this CD. My favorite cut on this disc has to be the metal anthem “Fist to Face”. If Mat Sinner keeps writing songs like this, he may not find the time to play in Primal Fear anymore. Sinner will be a full time gig for him.

Sinner even covers the Butch Walker penned Marvelous 3 tune, “Little Head” and almost give this song a Thin Lizzy like spin. Cool stuff!

The Lizzyisms continue on the song “Connection”. The guitar melodies on this song would make Phil Lynott (R.I.P.) smile. This song reminds me a lot of Lizzy Classic “The Boys Are Back In Town”, but it is good nonetheless.

“Like A Rock” is a pretty cool album closer. This is a catchy yet harder edged tune with some pretty cool guitar riffs by Henry Walter.

“Crash & Burn” has been one of 2009’s better surprises. This CD is a a cool disc with some good catchy tunes, solid vocals and great guitar work. It is a worthy pickup for all hard rock fans. Check it out!

The Dutch Melodic Metal band EDGE OF SERENITY will release their debut album ” The Chaos Theory ” on May 5, 2009 worldwide through Romulus X Records.

EDGE OF SERENITY recorded their debut full length at the German Spacelab Studios, where the CD was produced, mixed and mastered by Christian “Moschus” Moos. The cd contains guest appearances from Judith Stüber (Everon, Satyrian), Tony J.J (M.A.N, Icon In Me, ex Mnemic) and Dennis Hormes.

TRACKLIST “The Chaos Theory“ :

INSIDE
SIGN OF CHAOS
DYING ILLUSION
LAYERS OF EVOLUTION
BORN TO FALL APART *
ENDLESS BRUTALITY **
HOW MUCH CAN YOU TAKE
WORDS FROM WITHIN
THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL
SAVE MY DAY ***

Almost a decade has passed as the much anticipated Vinnie Moore’s solo release is about to invade the world – TO THE CORE releases May 26th on Mascot Records U.S.A.

Moore’s spent the last several years out on tour with British rock/metal band UFO. Once off tour, Moore spent time orchestrating his new album meticulously laying down the tracks to his newest guitar instrumental masterpiece.

Choosing a very retro-contemporary rock style mixed with many other styles and influences, Moore decided he would make it a good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll instrumental album. It’s just Vinnie Moore, his guitar, and his raw guitar talent – all the ingredients that make’s this album a work of art.

TO THE CORE boasts such tracks as “Fly”, “Panic Attack” and “Off The Hook.” All the songs take on unique tones has Moore takes you on a journey track after track. “The only plan I had when making this record was to do some things I have never done before,” explains Moore. I am into many types of music and wanted to make a record where I could just let it all pour out without limitations. I am basically a rock guy but all these other influences that filter into my music. You can hear many styles from an R&B/Hip Hop vibe to one that is heavy but has an indian vibe with lots of exotic percussion. I even have a couple tunes with techno elements, some funk, some blues and some bepop. Hell, there is even some motorcycles on it and I even played slide guitar on “Jigsaw” which is fairly new for me. The common thread that ties it all together is probably the fact that it’s me playing guitar through it all.”

TO THE CORE was recorded at The Core. John “JD” Deservio (Black Label Society/Bass) plays bass, Van Romaine on drums and Tim Lehner on keyboards.

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release on the new PRAYING MANTIS studio album entitled “Sanctuary” on June 5th 2009 in Europe and July 14th in the USA.

PRAYING MANTIS are one of the prime movers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Founded by brothers Chris (bass, vocals) and Tino (guitar, vocals) Troy in the UK, the band debuted in 1981 with the release of “Time Tells No Lies” an album that still today is considered one of the best expressions of that musical period, even if it did not meet with much commercial fortune.

In 1990 Praying Mantis finally reformed with a new line-up featuring two ex-Iron Maiden cohorts: Paul Di’Anno (on vocals) and Dennis Stratton (on guitar), with Bruce Bisland on drums, thanks to the interest of some Japanese promoters releasing a live album (“Live At Last”) in 1990 recorded during that tour. The success gained in the Eastern lands, convinced the band about the possibility of a permanent reunion and with a renewed line-up (the band featured in this time ex MSG singer Gary Barden, then Mark Thompson-Smith and later Tony O’Hora on vocals) they went on to release six studio and one live album.

After 2003’s “The Journey Goes On”, an album that featured different singers, most notably John Sloman (ex Lone Star) and Dougie White (Malmsteen, Rainbow), the band entered a hiatus period, which was finally broken in the summer of 2007, when a new incarnation of the band – formed by the Troy brothers with Benjy Reid on drums, Andy Burgess on guitars and Mike Freeland on vocals – appeared at the Bang Your Head festival and later – in the summer 2008 – at the Headbanger’s Open Air Festival in Germany and at the Bloodstock Festival in the UK, while writing a brand new stunning studio album.

Entitled “Sanctuary” the new Lp was recorded in Atlanta, USA under the direction of producer/engineer Andy Reilly (Asia, The Cult, Bruce Dickinson, FM etc). The music is instantly recognizable and features plenty of great melodies and songs. “Hard to believe but Mantis have been in existence for over thirty years. Quite incredible really that we are still there releasing albums and maturing nicely” says Chris Troy. “This also coincides with the 30th anniversary since the inception of NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal). Iron Maiden have obviously made it and just as importantly have managed to stay up there for this long time. Well done lads! By the way the album title ” Sanctuary ” has no relationship to them!! However we do share some history and maybe this album will put us up there with them” .

“I know its probably a cliché statement used by so many bands, but I do honestly believe it is by far the best thing we have ever done”, continues Chris “The lyrics on most songs are quite deep and in some ways dark but I think these suit the music which is intrinsically based on minor chord structures (the saddest chords !). There are some real epics and duelling guitar harmonies in the standard Mantis style and all the fans who have heard it so far have been giving us some great feedback”.

Final tracklisting includes: In Time, Restless Heart, Tears In The Rain, So High, Lonely Way Home, Touch The Rainbow, Threshold of a Dream, Playing God, Highway, Sanctuary.

What we have on “Sanctuary” is a band that contains some very fine and experienced musicians who have put together a collection of songs that create a really classic album. “To those have remained with Mantis through the highs and lows of our career we salute you!” concludes Chris Troy “We hope you enjoy the new album and we dedicate it to you. Very special thanks!”

The album will be exclusively presented at the Bush Hall in London, UK on May 3rd 2009 with a special pre-listening session and “Welcome back” concert. More dates and festivals are in the works!

I was blown away by 7th Heaven’s USA/UK when it was released late 2008 so much so that it ended the year in my Top 15 list at #9 beating out a lot of better known bands for the spot. USA/UK is filled with 18 tracks of pop metal very reminescent of Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” era, not only do you get 18 tracks with USA/UK you also get 18 tracks in which every song could be released as a single as there is not a single filler song on the album. After a few scheduling mishaps on my part I was finally able to make contact with 7th Heaven’s producer/guitarist Richie Hofherr this past week for what turned out to be one of the best and most informative interviews we’ve had here at Hard Rock Hideout…Enjoy!

HRH: For readers that may not be familiar with 7th Heaven can you fill them in with a little history of 7th Heaven?

Richie: 7th heaven has been around since 1985. We are known to be one of the busiest band’s in the world. We play 250+ shows a year and have TONS of live experience. We have had greats highs and low lows. Our sound has been compared to a modern Def Leppard, which we are honored to be compared to. We are a AOR arena rock type of band. You can find a very detailed history of our band on our website under the “history” tab.

HRH: You released USA/UK in August of 08 what has the reaction been to the album so far?

Richie: Very good. It has already outsold our last release “Silver”, which did very well. We move most of our CD’s at our shows, and since we play so much our sales are consistent. We have placed a few songs in various media outlets. A few radio stations have picked up the CD and have us in heavy rotation, mainly ClassXRadio.com

We also have been getting great reviews on the CD, like MelodicRock.com‘s 93%

HRH: This is the band’s first album with Keith Semple singing how did the band find out about Keith and get him to join the band?

Richie: I actually was looking online for a new singer for the band and was searching for a certain type of quality that I thought would fit our band well. I also had to find someone who wanted to play a lot of shows. Keith had a myspace page and I emailed him and asked him what he was doing with music. Rather than respond to my email, he actually searched the band out and called and left me a message. Impressed with his desire, I made him the offer. After hiring Keith I then realized he won “Pop Stars” (the UK version of American Idol). Keith is a perfect fit for 7th heaven.

HRH: What led to the departure of previous singers Andrew Blake and Tony di Giulio?

Richie: The same thing that happens to all bands. Different visions or different agenda’s. 7th heaven is like a family, it always has been and always will be. Sometimes a member wants a break or wants to do their own thing. I don’t really take offense to that, in fact Tony and I still write together. 7th heaven is a very unique band. We run our business in a way that doesn’t really have a definitive path, add to that a style that isn’t the current trend, it makes for everyone to agree on business directions. In the end, we survive and hopefully the music we make is what really matters to people.

HRH: USA/UK has a very different sound compared to the last 2 7th Heaven albums, particularly “Faces Time Replace” was a conscious effort by the band or more because of the way Keith sings?

Richie: The way I like to produce is always surrounded by what I feel is the best direction of the voice. While that being said, all the singers that have been in 7th heaven have the ability to sing various styles. In terms of “Faces Time Replaces”, it was a reflection of the environments we were in at the time in terms of clubs we played. We have TONS of pop rock songs, but at the time if we played them they wouldn’t do well for us live. In fact our song “Right by your side” off “Silver” was actually a song we wrote in that “Faces..” era of writing, but it just didn’t fit. “War Machine” was from “Faces…”. Around 2002 we started getting festivals and they wouldn’t accept the heavy side of the band so we made a adjustment to the sound to keep the band busy.

HRH: USA/UK has gotten the band a lot of comparisons to “Hysteria” era Def Leppard not only as far as sound but production also is that a favorable comparison as far as the band is concerned?

Richie: I’m not sure how the band feels, but to me it’s one of the biggest honors I could ever get. I work for hours on mixes and try to polish my mixes. That’s the way I like to mix 7th heaven. But not all my mixes are that way. For example, when I produced Bill Beckett of “The Academy Is..” it was VERY different then 7th heaven. I grew up loving arena rock bands.. bands like Queen, Led Zep, Def Lep, Bon Jovi, Journey, Foreigner, AC/DC… they had a massive sound. So when I write songs and think about 7th heaven I think I want this band to sound like it belongs in a arena. The band can handle a arena stage. So I produce it that way.

HRH: There are 6 songs from Silver that were re-recorded for USA/UK with Keith is there a chance we could see some more of those songs re-recorded in the future? I would love to hear Keith’s vocals on Fall Into You, Invisible, and Everlasting Love among others.

Richie: The only reason why we recorded Keith on some of those songs was because when Keith got to America we were playing those songs (Cellophane, Gravity, etc.. ) in our set and new fans asked if they could get the song and then wanted it with Keith on it, so rather than re-record “Silver” with Keith I thought it was easier to add the tracks to a new CD, so to me that CD is a new CD os 12 songs with 6 bonus tracks.

HRH: When I compare the songs on “Silver” and “Faces Time Replace” to USA/UK. The songs on USA/UK seem like a more natural sound for the band would you agree?

Richie: Faces was for it’s time. Silver was my chance to make a record that I wanted to make and release various styles. and USA-UK is a methodical product for the band to sell in the environment we are within. The CD has a consistent sound on purpose and doesn’t sway too much away from that. We had a few very different tracks, but I wanted to work on them more and we needed a product to market ASAP. I think the CD is a good representation of where the band is today.

HRH: You guys have a reputation of being road warriors, how many shows has the band played since the release of USA/UK?

Richie: I think we are close to 500 shows with Keith. This year we should hit 260-275 shows. Our philosophy is that if a major

label or radio station won’t play us (or any rock for that matter) then we’ll bring our music to the people. I am blown away that the big wigs in the biz keep scratching their heads wondering why they are not making money in the business don’t open their eyes and see where the consumers are at. They are following ROCK acts… period. Look at the Pollstar (www.pollstar.com) and look to the right side at the top 50.. now look at the billboard (billboard.com).. see the disconnect. If I was a big wig, I would push all 50 of those artists and their products to people. The fans always dictate the success of a act. So because of this landscape, we survive by playing live shows.

HRH: Has there been any talk of the band playing any of the festivals like Rocklahoma or Rock Gone Wild this summer?

Richie: Rocklahoma would be cool, we have never been asked, mainly because the side stages are ran by indie labels and since we run our own label I’m not sure it will ever happen… Rock Gone Wild I am unaware of. All anyone has to do is ask us to play and we’ll be there. It’s not like we don’t like playing.. :)

HRH: What are the band’s summer tour plans?

Richie: We are booked for over 60 midwest festivals this summer. For June, July and August we play almost everyday, with many days with two to three shows. We have a solid summer booked.

HRH: When will the band start thinking about getting back in the studio to record the follow-up to USA/UK?

Richie: We’ll be working in the studio for various things over the next year. We have a HUGE surprise for 2010 when the band turns 25 years old. Something I don’t think that has ever been done before. Stay tuned.

HRH: 7th Heaven is also known for your 30 songs in 30 minutes medley how did that come about?

Richie: We were asked to play a family festival in 1991 and when we went there we played all originals for 90 minutes. The fest promoter said if we wanted to come back the next year we would have to play some covers so we went and made a 5 song medley. After that show we had a lot of people asking for it again. Then in 1993 I put a 80 song 120 minute long medley together to accomplish a few things; better my skills as a producer, work on arrangements and build our voices by having to learn all those different singers. We made a tape of that and it became very popular in the college markets, which then got us shows at colleges. So we cut the medley down to 25 minutes and started playing them in the clubs. We have made 11 different medleys and have played eight of them live. They make a great addition to our festival and college shows. We just created a new one that we are playing now.

HRH: Where can fans go to find out what is going on in 7th Heaven’s world?

we update our website weekly and just added a new blogger to the website that we all chime in at. There’s also a news page that updated every month and our email newsletters are the best ways to stay up to date with us.

You can sign up by clicking the “Mailing List” tab on the website.

One cool thing we have going on is this:

We are shooting new video and wants YOU in it! We are shooting a music video for the song This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever and they want to use video footage of different fans from around the world showing them in their country in the background… something unique to your country (example: like standing in front of the Great Wall Of China or the Eiffel tower) they want to show the world that rock music is still alive and doing well around the world…

We want a video of you lip syncing the song and then the video footage to the band and it will be edited into the video.

- Prefer a mini DV tape or a DVD if possible and would like the video back to us by the end of April if possible.

Send it to: 7th heaven, PO Box 66473, Chicago, Il 60666.

If you want to make it a digital file and upload it to a server, that would be fine as well but it has to be uncompressed at 720 x 480. E-mail the band at: rich777@aol.com for more info with the subject “music video”.

HRH: Is there anything you would like to tell the fans and readers before we let you go?

Richie: We really appreciate all the fans and friends who have helped support our dream of creating and performing music.We will always strive to put 110% effort in everything we do! We are very accessible to our fans so get in touch with us. Thanks for all your support!!!

Scott plans on rejoining his band mates after the Snocore Tour. The band is touring in support of Cinco Diablo, their fifth studio album on Island Def Jam Recordings. The band has sold over two million records which include the hits “Click Click Boom”, “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “Your Disease” and “Always”.

UNITED STATES is the first collaboration of Paul Gilbert and Freddie Nelson. The album features 10 new songs which they wrote, performed, and produced together in the summer of 2008. UNITED STATES will be released May 12th, 2009 on Mascot Records U.S.A.

Gilbert and Nelson share many musical and cultural roots. Both

Gilbert moved to Los Angeles, and Nelson stayed in Pittsburgh, so they never met until now.

On first listen, Nelson’s stunning vocals reminds many listeners of the legendary Freddie Mercury. But listen again, and you will be introduced to a singer, performer, and writer with a unique sound and character all his own.

Gilbert could easily rest on his “Guitar Hero” reputation, but being raised on The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen, Gilbert craves great rock singing and songs.

Paul Gilbert began his career with the legendary shred-metal band RACER X in 1986. Since then, his guitar playing has brought him number one hits with the band MR. BIG, and a devoted following of guitar and music lovers all over the world. Gilbert’s recent foray into instrumental guitar music brought him even more attention, and has resulted in extensive touring with Joe Satriani’s “G3″ tour in North America and over 100 shows as a headliner in Europe, Japan, and South America.

UNITED STATES is one Paul Gilbert album you must add to your collection.

PuppyJuice.com launches Paul Stanley – Kiss Legend! on their website. Featuring Paul Stanley concert videos from his Live To Win Tour and featured on his One Live Kiss dvd. The site also contains many Kiss concert videos from various tours including the Symphony Alive IV tour, the Rock The Nation tour, and concert video from the Udo Music Festival and much more. Videos also include concert footage of Kiss without makeup, as well as in their full makeup. This site is a must see for all Kiss and Paul Stanley fans. Paul Stanley – Kiss Legend!.

PuppyJuice.com offers live streaming webcams, broken bone x-rays, funny pictures, funny shocking and extreme videos, waterbirth videos, Paul Stanley concert videos, live video, drunk and wasted party pictures, and much more all right here on one site.

I have been a huge fan of Queensryche for years. In the 80’s and 90’s, I probably saw Queensryche play live five or six times. I have been disappointed with their last few CD’s although Mindcrime II gave me a glimmer of hope with this band. I just don’t think the band has been the same without their long time guitarist, Chris DeGarmo. With that being said, I had low expectations for the new Queensryche disc “American Soldier”.

“Sliver” starts this record off with a song that almost sounds like a classic Queensryche song, but there is a twist. Jason Ames is a guest vocalist on this song. His chants during this song almost gives this tune an almost rap metal slant. Tate sounds better than expected, but I am not sure if Ames parts on this song were really necessary. I did not think this was a very good opening track at all.

Queensryche has never been afraid to make a statement with their music, and they try it again with the song “Unafraid“. This song sounds like news clips mixed with a heavy Disturbed like riff. The chorus is very good, but the rest of the song is a hot mess. I am not sure who mixed this CD, but the audio clips mixed into this tune are quite distracting.

“Hundred Mile Stare” is the first song on American Soldier that I could truly get into. This song actually has some potential as a radio single. The guitar work is pretty good, and Tate’s voice is in fine form here. Once again, the mixing on this song is odd. This song would have been better served by an end fade instead of the end chant.

“At 30,000 ft” is another solid tune with some pretty good song writing. This song is written from the perspective of what I assume is a fighter jet pilot. You have to listen to the words to fully appreciate this song. This is pretty cool stuff.

“A Dead Man’s Words” is longest tune on this disc, clocking in at over six minutes. This song has a really cool, moody sounding guitar riff that blends well with Tate’s vocals. This is another song that grows on you with repeat listens.

“The Killer” is a mid tempo number that seems to get better with each listen. This song is quickly becoming one of my favorites on this disc.

“If I Were King” is the first song that I heard off of “American Soldier” when it debuted on the Eddie Trunk show a few weeks ago. I have heard this one a few times since then and I like it pretty well now.

On “Home Again” Geoff employs the help of his ten year old daughter Emily. Emily sings quite a bit of the vocals with her dear old dad on this song. I have to imagine that it is pretty hard for a child her age to sing in a key this low. I am sure that Geoff will have fond memories of recording this song, but I am not so sure that the end result is what he was looking for. It is an average tune at best.

Queensryche has released better CD’s than “American Soldier” in the past, but this easily the best they have done in quite some time. This CD doesn’t show the band trying to make an attempt at trying to recapture their past glory, but Michael Wilton did a pretty good job at trying to recapture that classic Queensryche guitar sound. The subject matter is interesting, and the song writing is pretty good for the most part. This disc could have used a couple of more catchy tunes to push it over the edge, but the music tends to grow on you which is a good thing. This probably isn’t that type of album that will generate a bunch of new fans for Queensryche, but it should keep their long time fans happy for quite a while.

Mark your calendars…The Rods return to rock The Haunt Bar &amp; Grill on Willow Ave. in Ithaca, NY on Saturday, May 16. Tickets are $10 at the door. Doors open at 6pm. This show is in support of The Rods’ forthcoming CD “Vengeance” which features Ronnie James Dio’s vocal on selected tracks. The show is also a precursor for their appearance at the South Texas Rock Fest with Queensryche. Support for The Rods show on May 16 will include Central NY’s Blue Monday band, with special guest Tim (Flynn) Hylton on guitar.